1,128 Narco-Terrorists Arrested as "Nasha Mukt J&K" Campaign Completes 55 Days
As the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign entered its 55th day on Friday, a total of 1,036 FIRs have been registered and 1,128 drug smugglers arrested across the Union Territory during this period.
The 100-day campaign to free Jammu and Kashmir from the scourge of "narco-terrorism" was launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 11 from Jammu. Apart from arrests and the registration of FIRs, more than 100 properties belonging to drug smugglers have been attached, nearly 700 driving licences have been cancelled, and recommendations have been made for the cancellation of passports of 130 drug smugglers.
"Fifty-five days ago, from the soil of Jammu, I declared that enough is enough. What began as a war against drugs and narco-terrorism has now evolved into a true people's movement—a movement born of courage, sustained by spirit, and driven by the collective will of ordinary citizens. Today, that resolve stands stronger than ever," the Lieutenant Governor said after leading a padyatra in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district amid anti-drug slogans raised by local residents.
"Having now visited every district in the Kashmir Valley and participated in each march, I can say that a historic movement against narco-terrorism has emerged," he said while addressing the gathering.
Rehabilitation of addicts a priority
The Lieutenant Governor assured proper rehabilitation for those who have fallen prey to drug addiction.
"With compassion and dignity, we will help them return to the mainstream of society. Through treatment, counselling and employment opportunities, we are opening new doors. People must remember that this is not merely a government programme; it is a social revolution. Together, we will ensure that no drug smuggler or peddler finds a place in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Fifty-five days ago, I stood on the soil of Jammu and declared that we would free our children from the poison of drugs, protect our families from being torn apart by addiction, and refuse to let our people become hostages to narco-terrorists who profit from suffering and fund terrorism with their illicit earnings. We have launched a war against those who seek to destroy the future of our youth," he said.
Drug money fuels terrorism
The Lieutenant Governor observed that during every march across Jammu and Kashmir, he had highlighted how drugs were destroying lives, robbing people of their abilities, dreams and dignity, and how the proceeds of drug traffickingwere being used to purchase weapons and finance terrorism in the Union Territory.
"This is not merely a matter of ordinary crime; it is also an issue of national security and a direct threat to the very fabric of our society," he said.
"The narco-terrorists, whether sitting in neighbouring countries or operating within Jammu and Kashmir, are enemies of our people. They are enemies of our children. They are enemies of our progress. Let me make it clear that narco-terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir will have to pay a heavy price," he added.
The Lieutenant Governor further said that the administration would ensure that those responsible for harming the youth face exemplary punishment.
He called upon mothers, sisters and daughters to become protectors of their villages, towns and neighbourhoods and urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to act as guardians of their schools and colleges.
"I promise the people that narco-terrorists will no longer find refuge. We will hunt them down. Their days are numbered. Their networks will be dismantled one by one. This is my oath and my solemn promise that every narco-terrorist will answer for their crimes," he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor launched Sindh Samvad, a podcast series, and felicitated the winners of various competitions organised under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyaan.